Tag: Oren Burks

3 new absences for 49ers on Day 3 of training camp

There were 3 new absences from Day 3 of #49ers training camp.

There were three new absences for the 49ers on Friday when they took the field for their third day of camp. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, linebacker Oren Burks and defensive end Austin Bryant were all out of practice according to Matt Barrows of the Athletic.

No reason for the absences was given, although it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if the team is either giving rest days or taking extra precautions with potential injuries this early in camp.

With a day off Saturday, we’ll have to wait until Sunday to see if there are any additional updates.

Barrows also noted left tackle Trent Williams didn’t take part in individual drills, but held down the LT spot during the 11-on-11 portion. The team was very cautious with Williams last year, so it would make sense if they did the same with the 35-year-old again this year.

That trio was out along with defensive end Nick Bosa and cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. Bosa is still working on a long-term contract extension. Luter is working his way back from a bone bruise he sustained late in OTAs.

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Veteran LB Oren Burks gets 1st crack at open starting job

Sam LB is one of very few open starting jobs for the #49ers, and Oren Burks got the first opportunity there when training camp opened.

One of the few open starting jobs on the 49ers depth chart is the Sam linebacker spot left vacant by Azeez Al-Shaair, who signed with the Titans in free agency.

That job is wide open with every LB on the roster potentially in the mix, but the first opportunities there went to veteran Oren Burks according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.

It’s a mild surprise that Burks got those first reps. He signed with San Francisco last offseason as a key special teams contributor. That was largely his role in Green Bay after the Packers selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft.

San Francisco re-signed LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles who has more experience playing with the 49ers’ defense. They also added two LBs in the draft – TCU’s Dee Winters in Round 6, and Purdue’s Jalen Graham in Round 7.

Still, Burks was the first LB to run alongside Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw at the first training camp practice Wednesday.

In five seasons Burks has started 10 games on defense. Last year he played 157 defensive snaps for San Francisco. His career-high for defensive snaps in season was 205, which he accumulated in 2021 – his final year with the Packers.

While his stints as a linebacker with Green Bay weren’t particularly good, he wasn’t bad with the 49ers last year in his limited sample and earned career-best grades across the board from Pro Football Focus, including a strong 78.9 overall grade.

The Sam LB’s playing time would be limited and would most typically come in run situations. That may be a role Burks ultimately thrives in, and the team was clearly happy with what they saw from him last season.

It’s still early in camp though and pads haven’t come on yet. Burks got the first starting reps, but don’t be surprised if some of the other LBs on the roster get their opportunities for those snaps as well.

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State of the Roster: Starting job wide open for 49ers at LB

State of the 49ers Roster: There’s a starting LB job up for grabs.

With 49ers OTAs in full swing, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the team’s roster to figure out the strengths, weaknesses, potential dark horses to make the team and other nuggets about the players who will be competing for jobs on the 53-man roster.

The 49ers won’t have a ton of turnover on their defense this year, but linebacker could be a possible exception. San Francisco saw Azeez Al-Shaair leave to join the Titans in free agency, leaving a vacancy at the starting Sam linebacker spot.

While the 49ers have to iron out who starts in Al-Shaair’s stead, they’ll also be aiming to iron out the rest of their depth chart behind that starter. Not only will they have a new starter, but they may have a couple of new faces among the reserves as well.

How the linebacking corps shakes out is a huge question mark since it appears every player on the 90-man roster has a real shot to make the club.

Let’s look at the LB group on the offseason roster:

49ers injuries: 2 LBs hurt vs. Texans

The 49ers are shorthanded at linebacker vs. the Texas with two LBs hurt.

The 49ers are resting their top three linebackers against the Texans, but now they find themselves very thin at the position following injuries to linebacker Oren Burks and Curtis Robinson.

Burks is questionable to return with a knee injury. Robinson, who’s also missed time with a groin issue, has been ruled out per the 49ers.

With both of those players banged up and none of the three starters suited up, the 49ers are down to a Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Segun Olubi at that spot.

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7 newcomers who could have biggest impact for 49ers in 2022

These newcomers will have the biggest impact for the #49ers in 2022:

The 49ers will always need their stars to show up, but this year’s success could ultimately come down to a handful of newcomers that joined the team this offseason.

While San Francisco returns the likes of Nick Bosa, George Kittle and others, some players added before this season will get opportunities to fill big-time roles and make huge impacts in their first year in red and gold.

Some of the new roles will be bigger than others, but these seven new 49ers will each have a shot to make a huge impact in 2022:

49ers to add former Packers LB Oren Burks

The #49ers are adding LB Oren Burks on a 2-year deal.

The 49ers are adding some linebacker depth with veteran linebacker Oren Burks the LB announced via Twitter. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported it’s a two-year deal worth $5 million.

Burks was a third-round pick of the Packers in 2018 out of Vanderbilt. Across four years in Green Bay he started seven of the 59 games he played and contributed largely on special teams. However he did see action in a career-high 19 percent of the defensive snaps a year ago.

The 49ers have done a nice job developing linebackers and Burks brings a lot of athleticism to the second level. San Francisco re-signed LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, but with Marcell Harris set to hit unrestricted free agency and restricted free agent Azeez Al-Shaair still unsigned San Francisco could use some linebacker depth.

This also brings Dre Greenlaw’s future into question. The 2019 fifth-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie deal and could command a sizable contract in free agency next offseason. If the 49ers feel they won’t be able to retain him, they could look to deal him this offseason with Al-Shaair taking over as the Will linebacker and Burks jumping in at the vacated Sam spot.

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Packers to lose free agent LB Oren Burks to 49ers

Free agent LB Oren Burks intends to leave the Packers and sign with the San Francisco 49ers.

Linebacker Oren Burks, a third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2018, intends to sign with the San Francisco 49ers at the start of the new league year.

Burks announced the decision on his official Twitter account on Tuesday. The move can become official on Wednesday. Burks, who has an expiring rookie contract, will be the Packers’ first loss in unrestricted free agency.

First-year general manager Brian Gutekunst traded up into the third round to take Burks at No. 88 overall in 2018. The highly athletic linebacker was never able to carve out a meaningful role on the Packers defense but did end up playing almost 1,200 total snaps on special teams over 59 games and four seasons in Green Bay.

While he never became a starting-level player, he stuck around by developing into a versatile asset on both defense and special teams.

Burks is leaving the Packers are producing 92 tackles, two forced fumbles, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and a half-sack during his first four NFL easons.

The Packers are losing a core special teamer. Over the last three seasons, Burks has played at least 75 percent of the team’s special teams snaps each year, including a career-high and team-high 337 snaps last season.

Burks was on the field for a career-best 205 defensive snaps in 2021. He played both inside and outside linebacker in Joe Barry’s scheme and was rarely a liability.

The Packers will likely attempt to find a developmental linebacker to help replace Burks through the draft.

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Packers preseason highlights: Oren Burks flashes potential against Texans

The Packers got an encouraging performance from LB Oren Burks to open the preseason.

Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Oren Burks is off to a strong start in his fourth preseason. Burks jumped off the screen against the Houston Texans, totaling a team-high seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. It was an encouraging sight for a player who has struggled to find his place with the team.

Last season, the Packers were desperate to trigger some potential, so they moved Burks to outside linebacker to see if his speed would benefit him as a pass rusher. It was a valiant effort, but Burks is now back to his rightful position at inside linebacker.

This offseason, Burks has been a forgotten man. Many wondered if he would even make the final roster. This year, he appears ready to not only make the team but potentially contribute in a big way.

It is no secret that Burks’ performance against Houston is what the team envisioned when they used a third-round draft pick on him in 2018.

For some players, it takes time to find the right footing. Maybe for Burks, 2021 is the year he puts it all together.

Let’s take a look at three plays Burks made last Saturday that showed why he might factor into the Packers’ defense this season.

Play No. 1

Burks has clearly been working on his technique in the offseason. He uses a precise chop to help him disengage from a would-be Houston blocker. Burks never loses his momentum as he continues to maneuver downhill. Not only are his hands playing fast here, but so are his feet. Green Bay can really use this kind of presence in their run defense.

Play No. 2

Burks logged a RAS score of 9.73, according to Kent Lee Platte. This is an impressive number that fits the type of athletic pedigree the Packers like to target. Finally, Burks is starting to showcase it. He makes a great pre-snap read to shoot the A gap on this run call. Before the running back even has the ball, Burks has a clear path to the ball. It looks like the mental side of the game is starting to work in conjunction with his supreme athleticism. Burks was unable to make the tackle, but it was enough to blow this play up for a minimal gain and force a fourth down.

Play No. 3

This play is almost identical to the one before but with a different result. Burks comes charging downhill through the A gap for a sack. He uses great anticipation and timing to break through the line virtually untouched. Texans quarterback Davis Mills never had a chance, as Burks’ speed and mental processing are just too much.

Either the game is slowing down, or Burks is starting to play a lot faster. Perhaps it is a combination of both. Either way, the Packers have to be pleased with Burks’ performance from their first exhibition game of 2021.

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Now injury-free, MVS and Oren Burks must help Packers at unresolved positions

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Oren Burks might be two of the most important Packers in 2020.

Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst could have easily used his first- and second-round picks on some combination of a wide receiver and inside linebacker during April’s draft.

At linebacker, LSU’s Patrick Queen and Texas Tech’s Jordyn Brooks were both on the board when the Packers traded up to pick No. 26. So were receivers Michael Pittman, Tee Higgins and a number of other pass-catchers drafted in the early-to-mid second round. No one would have blamed Gutekunst for addressing either position early in the draft. The Packers had obvious roster holes at both spots.

Instead, the Packers GM grabbed quarterback Jordan Love, the potential successor to Aaron Rodgers, and then used his second-round pick on running back A.J. Dillon.

The Packers didn’t end up drafting a wide receiver. The addition at inside linebacker didn’t come until the fifth round.

With both positions left mostly untended this offseason, two players returning from significant injuries in 2019 must now help the Packers solve the remaining issues at receiver and inside linebacker. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Oren Burks, injury-free and entering crucial third seasons in 2020, hold the keys.

The Packers must have a reliable deep threat at receiver. All great offenses need one. A deep threat at the position creates chunk plays, stresses defenses in important ways and makes life easier for others in the passing game. Although somewhat limited as an all-around receiver, Valdes-Scantling has the speed and athletic profile of a true field-stretching weapon, and he’s flashed the ability to create big plays down the field during two up-and-down seasons to start his NFL career. He has 15 career catches over 20 yards and nine over 40, including five over 40 in 2019.

While productive during his first seven games, a combination of knee and ankle injuries – and specifically the ankle – submarined the second half of Valdes-Scantling’s second season. He lost confidence in the ankle but tried to tough it out despite limitations. His production disappeared. By the postseason, he couldn’t even manage to get on the field.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Valdes-Scantling didn’t sound like a player needing to be rebuilt from the ground up. He needed to get healthy, continue developing as a professional receiver and eventually get another chance in 2020. The Packers are giving him that chance, and they’re now really counting on him to be a playmaker.

The receiver group could be elevated in a truly valuable way if Valdes-Scantling contributes as a consistent deep threat. If not, the whole passing game could stagnate, and the receiver position could handicap the offense in ways nearly identical to 2019.

Something similar could be said about the linebacker position.

Christian Kirksey, a six-year vet, may prove to be an upgrade over Blake Martinez. But can the Packers get better at the linebacker spot next to Kirksey?

Burks has the best chance to provide an answer. A starter to open training camp each of the last two summers, Burks has also suffered unfortunate injuries each of the last two summers. He has the size and athleticism to help solve the Packers’ on-going riddle at linebacker, but he must stay healthy and improve in a meaningful in just about every area of playing the position to truly give the Packers an upgrade. Eyes, instincts, play speed. All of it. He knows it, and he’s rightfully excited to be back on the field and in a position to prove he can play a bigger role.

Early in camp, Burks is operating as a starter next to Kirksey. He’s healthy. He’s bigger and stronger. And he has a golden opportunity to revive his professional career.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine probably didn’t trust him to be on the field against the run after he tore his pec muscle last August. And his preference for a true safety at linebacker against the pass robbed Burks of more opportunities.

In an ideal world, Burks would be the player capable of being on the field at linebacker regardless of the down or situation. He can really run, and his background as a collegiate safety should give him a fighting chance in the passing game. The Packers must get better against the run and defending the middle of the field. Kirksey and Burks, as a combo, could help both areas.

If Burks isn’t the answer, the Packers might have to go searching for another veteran as the regular season nears. The

The Packers really used the 2020 draft to build the foundation for the future. Taking Love and Dillon early was a courageous combination of moves from Gutekunst, especially considering how easy it was to point to positions like receiver and inside linebacker as obvious weak points on his roster.

The offseason is over. The Packers are now counting on internal options – and especially two young, former draft picks coming off of significant injuries – to elevate the two position groups in 2020.

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Packers LB Oren Burks rebuilds strength, adds weight entering training camp

Packers LB Oren Burks showed up at camp with rebuilt strength and a lot more weight thanks to his offseason workout plan.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Oren Burks spent the offseason rebuilding his press strength and adding weight in an effort to overcome two injury-wrecked seasons and become a contributor for Mike Pettine’s defense in 2020.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Burks couldn’t even bench press 135 pounds – the equivalent of a standard barbell and a 45-pound plate on each side – after injuring his pectoral muscle during the preseason last August. Burks avoided surgery and still ended up playing in 12 games, almost exclusively on special teams, but he lacked the basic pressing strength of most high school athletes.

With the help of trainer Josh Cuthbert in Nashville, Burks bumped his bench press number back up to 325 pounds this summer and arrived at training camp weighing in the mid-240s without losing any of his elite athleticism or explosiveness.

According to Cuthbert, Burks added roughly 12 pounds of muscle during his program.

It’s paying off early on. Burks has been running alongside veteran addition Christian Kirksey as a starter at inside linebacker to begin camp. There’s a real opportunity for Burks – who has lost starting jobs each of the last two summers due to major injuries – to lock down an important role within Pettine’s defense during camp. At the very least, he must be considered the favorite to be the No. 2 linebacker, just as long as he avoids an injury before the Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13.

Burks told Demovsky that he “can’t even put into words how excited” he is to get back on the field and begin showing what he can do now that he’s healthy again and rebuilt physically.

“I’m a way smarter player, way more instinctive player, stronger, faster,” Burks said. “This the best I’ve felt in a very long time, so it’s all boiling up to this point where I can just have a great year and lead this team to a Super Bowl. I know that I can add value in so many areas, so I’m excited to showcase my talent.”

Through his first two seasons, Burks – the Packers’ third-round pick in 2018 – has played only 179 total snaps on defense, although he’s been a mainstay on special teams. Last year’s No. 2 linebacker, B.J. Goodson, played 254 snaps, or roughly 25 percent of the defense’s total in 2019.

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